Toni hoping for Fiorentina debut

14 September 2012 01:17

World Cup winner Luca Toni is hoping to show Fiorentina his move to La Viola is one they will not regret, starting with Sunday's match against Catania.

Fiorentina created one of the surprises of the final day of transfer action by re-signing the giant centre-forward, who played with the Florence side from 2005-2007, from United Arab Emirates side Al-Nasr.

Now the 35-year-old, who scored 38 goals in 60 appearances for German giants Bayern Munich between 2007-2010, is hoping to show fans he hasn't lost his touch.

"I can't wait to get back on the pitch so I can make the fans happy and help out the team. I'm glad to be back, I spent some wonderful years here," said Toni.

Fiorentina's glory days are anchored in the past -- their last Serie A title was in 1969 and they last won the last of their six Italian Cups in 2001.

However Vincenzo Montella's side includes some quality players and they have shown their ambition in the summer transfer period.

Fiorentina's bid to sign Dimitar Berbatov from Manchester United collapsed at the last minute three weeks ago, but in 22-year-old Montenegrin Stevan Jovetic the club possess a highly efficient striker.

Jovetic, who signed for Fiorentina in 2008, has scored three goals in two league games so far including a last-minute winner against Udinese three weeks ago.

His easrly season purple patch has sparked interest from Juventus, prompting Fiorentina to slap an "anti-Juve" clause on his contract after the club blamed Juve for scuppering their bid to sign Berbatov.

The 1.96 metre tall Toni, known for his unorthodox but highly effective style, believes Fiorentina, who finished only 13th last season, can do far better this term.

"We have the makings of a good team this year," said Toni. "I've been training well and I'm feeling good. I'm available for the coach, but it's up to him whether I play.

"I'm hoping to play against Catania, but it won't be an easy match. They're now an established team and we have a relatively new group of players.